Maha Sawat Canal....easy to get to, near Bangkok
This trip was made possible by our aunts' desire for a quick getaway near Bangkok that offered a relaxing atmosphere and was budget-friendly. We opted to travel by train, utilizing the services of the State Railway of Thailand.
There are more trains departing from Thon Buri - Wat Suwannaram Station than from Bangkok Station. You can check the train schedule on the website http://www.railway.co.th/checktime/checktime.asp.
Thon Buri - Wat Suwannaram
Bangkok - Wat Suwannaram
The return trip from Wat Suwann will have the following train schedule:
Wat Suwannaram - Thonburi
Wat Suwannaram - Bangkok
History of Khlong Mahasawat
The Maha Sawat Canal, also known as the Chai Phruk Canal
The Maha Sawat Canal, also known as the Chai Phruk Canal, originates from the Lat Bang Kruai Canal, or the Bangkok Noi Canal, near Wat Chai Phruk Mala. It flows as a boundary line between Bang Kruai District, Nonthaburi Province, and Taling Pling and Thawai Watthana Districts, Bangkok. The canal passes through Phutthamonthon District and empties into the Tha Chin River at Ngiew Rai Subdistrict, Nakhon Chai Si District, Nakhon Pathom Province. The total length of the canal is 28 kilometers.
The construction of this canal began on September 13, 1859, during the reign of King Rama IV. Its purpose was to shorten the travel distance for pilgrims visiting the Phra Pathom Chedi. After the completion of the Chedi Bucha Canal, which connected the Nakhon Chai Si River to the Phra Pathom Chedi, the king instructed Chao Phraya Thiphakorawong Maha Kosathibodi (Kham Bunnag) and Phra Phasi Sammati Buribun to hire Chinese laborers to excavate this new canal. The project was completed on May 1, 1860. With a width of 7 wa (14 meters), it was the widest canal of its time. The total cost of construction amounted to 1,101 chang and 10 tamlueng, consisting of 100 chang from the royal treasury, 1 chang and 10 tamlueng donated by Chao Phraya Thiphakorawong, and 1,000 chang from the confiscated wealth of Thao Thep Akon (Ngern).
Upon completion of the canal, King Rama IV ordered Chao Phraya Thiphakorawong to allocate vacant land on both sides of the canal. The first communities to settle there were villagers who relocated from the banks of the Nakhon Chai Si River, the areas of Don Wai, Dao Kanong, Bang Toei, and Chinese laborers who had excavated the canal. Chao Phraya Thiphakorawong also commissioned the construction of pavilions for public rest at intervals of 100 sen along the canal. These pavilions displayed medical prescriptions for various ailments as a charitable act. They were later referred to as "Salaya," specifically pavilions 1-4 and 6-7. Pavilion 7 was known as "Sala Din," while pavilion 5 was built for the charitable purpose of burying the deceased of Chao Phraya Thiphakorawong. It was called "Sala Tham Sap," and it is now the name of a subdistrict and a railway station in the Thung Watthana district of Bangkok. The Maha Sawat Canal also has two water gates constructed by the Royal Irrigation Department: the Maha Sawat Water Gate on the Tha Chin River side and the Chimphli Water Gate on the Chao Phraya River side. Today, the canal remains a vital transportation route for local residents and a significant tourist attraction.
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This morning, we began our journey from Hua Lamphong Station. Our meeting time was 9:00 AM, shortly before the train's departure. The train journey took only 1 hour, during which we enjoyed the scenery along the way.
One hour has passed very quickly. Finally, we have arrived at Wat Suthat Temple Railway Station. Let's take a commemorative photo here.
A 5-10 minute walk from the train station will lead you to this sign, confirming you're in the right place.
A one-minute walk from Exit 1 will bring you to the entrance of Suwannaram Temple.
The History of Wat Suwann
The history of Wat Suwann is shrouded in mystery. No definitive records exist to pinpoint its exact origins, leaving its past open to speculation and local legends. However, based on architectural clues and stylistic elements, experts estimate the temple's construction to have occurred sometime during the Ayutthaya period (1351-1767).
One popular legend attributes the temple's founding to a wealthy Chinese merchant who, upon arriving in Ayutthaya, was struck by the beauty of the Chao Phraya River. Inspired, he decided to build a magnificent temple dedicated to the Buddha. He named it "Wat Suwann," meaning "Golden Temple," in reference to the golden hue of the river at sunset.
Despite the lack of concrete historical evidence, Wat Suwann remains a significant landmark in the region. Its intricate carvings, serene atmosphere, and rich folklore continue to captivate visitors and locals alike.
Nearby, you will find this sign. You can book a boat from here.
The boat fare is approximately 350 baht per boat, plus an additional 100 baht per passenger for management and stops at various points.
Payment completed, prepare to board the boat and cruise along the Mahasawat Canal. Now, both the uncle and aunt are fully prepared. Hehe.
A lush, verdant view from both sides of the canal.
The boat journey was short, and we soon arrived at our first destination: Uncle Jaem's lotus field viewing point.
Interesting facts about the lotus flower.
A two-minute walk will bring us to the pavilion. This spot is perfect for those who enjoy the atmosphere and the cool breeze. Feel free to take a nap here.
When we visited, the lotus flowers had already been harvested and sold, so there were none to see.
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My uncle also joined in the fun.
After completing the first task, we bid farewell to the lotus pond owner and proceeded to the second location.
Running out of Na Bua, it won't be long before you reach Ban Sala Din. This is our second stop, where we will learn how to make crispy rice cakes.
Today we were fortunate to have a demonstration and explanation of the process.
Let's try the taste. I must say, it's very delicious. It's very tasty to eat while it's hot.
You can support them by purchasing their products if you have the opportunity.
May we take a photo as a souvenir?
It's time to board the boat and head to the next destination.
Our third stop was the jackfruit orchard, a source of incredibly beneficial fruits for the body.
This dish is not only delicious but also nutritious, as it contains vitamins A and C, as well as essential minerals for the body.
1. Antioxidants delay aging.
- Reduce the risk of anemia.
3. Promote children's growth and development.
4. Reduce cholesterol and blood sugar levels.
5. Maintain healthy blood vessels in the heart.
6. Promotes eye health
I'll take everything.
Let's take a commemorative photo before moving on to the fourth point.
The use of yo for fishing in Bangkok is likely non-existent.
Enjoying the view of the canal in a relaxed manner, we arrived at the fourth point, a beautiful orchid garden, where some species have a faint fragrance.
May I take a picture as a souvenir?
One more picture, please.
Time flies! We have reached the fifth and final stop of our trip, which is a rice paddy where we will be riding on an "e-taek" (a type of Thai tractor). I'm so excited, as this is my first time experiencing this!
My aunts and uncles are fully prepared. Anyone who comes here will be served snacks and drinks. You can also support local products.
Let's explore the rice fields together.
The elderly owner of the orchard and rice field is a very strong man. He drives his own "e-taek" (a type of Thai tractor) every day.
The aunts took shelter from the sun under the rice barn for a while.
With a pillow, you can sleep soundly.
Let's take a walk and enjoy the view of the rice fields.
Unite the Powerpuff Girls!
I'd like to give it a try too, but it looks pretty hard to control.
"Auntie and uncle, please take another beautiful picture before returning to Bangkok."
Just a stone's throw from Bangkok.
Stay tuned for the next episode.
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Wednesday, February 26, 2025 6:16 PM